Tripeptides are protein molecules made up of three amino acids that enhance cellular communication and promote stability. They are naturally synthesized in the body and are present in many plants. Tripeptides are used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to achieve specific results, such as anti-aging. Different classifications of tripeptides exist, and researchers can replicate natural patterns for medical therapies. Common compounds used in anti-aging products include acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-3, acetyl tetrapeptide-9 and acetyl tetrapeptide-11, and argirline.
A tripeptide is a specific type of peptide, or protein molecule, that forms when three different amino acids come together. Each of these molecules contains three amino acids and three peptide bonds. There are many different variations, and consequently many different jobs and functions; in general though, the molecules are all responsible for promoting stability and enhancing cellular communications in their environments. Most animals, including humans, synthesize them naturally in their bodies and they are responsible for a number of important functions, including promoting skin elasticity and helping maintain blood pressure level. A lot depends on the chemicals and amino acids involved. They are also present in many plants and scientists have even found ways to create them in the laboratory; Laboratory-derived tripeptides are often used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to achieve or enhance certain results.
Main function
The main function of tripeptides is cell communication, which means they provide a stable environment in which chemicals passing between cells can travel and arrive at their destination safely and quickly. Many of the most important bodily functions occur due to cellular communication, at least in some respects. “Communication” in this sense usually involves chemical exchanges that can trigger specific processes.
Peptide-based molecules also contribute to processes such as blood pressure regulation and thyroid function. As tripeptides age, however, communication signals can begin to deteriorate, which can cause signs of aging and other health problems. Anti-aging creams and other cosmetic treatments often look for ways to use these compounds as a way to renew and refresh the body’s existing reserves, at least on a superficial level.
Understanding classifications
There are usually three recognized classes of tripeptides: rigid, intermediate, and non-rigid. The intermediate group is the largest and accounts for about 78% of all these molecules. About 18% are classified as stiff and 4% are not stiff. The classification is determined by measuring the distance between atoms in peptide bonds and is usually also a reflection of how the larger molecule will behave.
Synthesis
Humans and most animals produce tripeptides naturally, usually as a normal part of cell regeneration and growth. Many plants also produce them. There are many different varieties – many, many different compounds can come together in the three-peptide structure – and different organs and processes use specific groups. Researchers have begun to differentiate them and determine how each is best suited, and are often able to replicate natural patterns for things like drugs and different medical therapies.
Pharmaceutical uses
People who have problems with processes that normally make use of peptide structures can often benefit from synthetic or lab-created substitutions. Researchers are often able to create bonded peptide structures that closely mimic those created naturally by the body and can use them, usually in combination with other drugs and chemicals, to trigger healing. In some cases, peptide therapy can also help the body restart its own production.
Cosmetic benefits
One of the more popular cosmetic applications for these agents is in the realm of anti-aging. Anti-aging advocates believe that topical applications that focus on a tripeptide structure — usually lotions, creams or serums — can boost skin function and reverse damage. Under ideal circumstances, this is said to essentially restore the cells to their youth and prevent improper cell communication in the skin. Manufacturers of antiaging products claim that the molecular compounds used in these products improve the appearance of the skin, making it smooth and supple.
However, not just any tripeptide molecule will achieve these results; in most cases, only a few chemical combinations can help the skin. Common compounds used in anti-aging products include acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-3, acetyl tetrapeptide-9 and acetyl tetrapeptide-11, and argirline. These are often quite expensive to produce and as a result the resulting products are often quite expensive.
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